Asheville Beer Engine tracks Buncombe County brews

Oct. 12, 2010

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We've said it many times: There are so many beers being made around Buncombe County it's tough to keep track of them. Have you heard about the hefe at the Lexington Avenue Brewery? Will the Moog Filtered Ale be back for Moogfest? And what's up with Highland Cold Mountain Holiday Ale?

These are beer questions that need sorting out. So here at the Citizen-Times we've created a new website called the Asheville Beer Engine. Basically, it's a rundown of all the Buncombe County-made beers.

It's simple to use. It will search out all the stouts being made here or everything that a particular Buncombe brewery is producing. We've listed the alcohol content on most of the brews and whether the beer is seasonal or year-round. And thanks to some early user suggestions, we're adding brewery locations, hours and generally where to get these brews.

We've included some of the local beers that are not in production right now, because they'll be back or they need to be there for the record. And the Beer Engine has the two brews made for Biltmore Estate and one sold at the Grove Park Inn.

At any given time, the Asheville-Buncombe craft breweries are making more than 60 beers. If you've got some ideas on how to make it better, drop them to me at TKiss@CITIZEN-TIMES.com. If you're at a brewery, and we're missing a beer or need to update your list, tell us.

New name, great taste

Highland Brewing is making some changes on its seasonal Black Mountain Bitter beer. It's returning in a few weeks in a small batch crafted on Highland's new pilot system.

The beer's name will be changing — some drinkers wondered if it was really bitter, when it's actually quite smooth and light. The recipe will likely be tweaked as well. Stay tuned for details. Highland is also making American pale ale on that same pilot system.

Making more Moog

Asheville Brewing will indeed be releasing another batch of Moog Filtered Ale, just before the Moogfest electronic music festival in Asheville on Halloween weekend.

This tasty brew was very well-received in its initial release. Grab some when you see it, on draft at both Asheville Brewing locations and in 22-ounce bottles around town.

Magical maple

At 4 p.m. Thursday, the Thirsty Monk's downtown location is tapping a cask of Autumn Maple from The Bruery of Placentia, Calif. This Belgian dark ale is like a slice of pie in a pint glass — flavors include yams, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, vanilla, molasses and maple syrup. At 10 percent alcohol, it's for sipping.